I. Frequently Asked Questions for Augusta GA Subscribers
II. Frequently Asked Questions for Dothan AL and Sebring FL Area Subscribers
I. Frequently Asked Questions for Augusta GA Subscribers
Q. What is happening to analog cable service in Augusta, GA?
A. Comcast is continuing to enhance its network to an all-digital distribution to offer our customers more HD, faster Internet and a free digital upgrade to new products and services. We started this upgrade in Augusta earlier this year with the “World of More” initiative. This initiative allowed Comcast to upgrade Expanded Basic channels to digital-only delivery and brought significant benefits to our customers including an additional 45 HD channels - bringing the total number of HD channels available in the Augusta GA area to 83.
Comcast is now going all-digital in Augusta, transitioning the remaining analog Limited Basic Cable* channel line-up to digital carriage. This means that equipment will be required for most TVs connected to Comcast service, even those used to receive only Limited Basic service.
(*Limited Basic Cable package in analog includes 16 channels, including local broadcast TV stations (NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS and ABC), local government, education and public access channels, and a few cable networks - which vary by market).
Q. When will this channel migration happen?
A. We expect this transition to be completed by February 1, 2010.
Q. Why is this happening now?
A. By migrating the Limited Basic channels from analog to digital format, we will be able to deliver 100% digital picture quality and sound to all of our customers and provide access to nine additional channels in the Limited Basic channel lineup. By moving to all-digital, Comcast can continue to offer more enhanced services like even more HD and faster Internet.
Q. Who will be affected?
A. Comcast customers that are currently watching Comcast service on a TV set that is not connected to a digital set-top box, DTA (digital adapter) or using a CableCARD will be affected. Any TV connected to a digital set-top box, DTA or CableCARD is already prepared for this upgrade.
Q. What if I have a digital TV set, such as one using a QAM tuner? Do I still need to use a digital device or CableCARD?
A. Digital QAM tuner TVs will be able to continue to receive Limited Basic cable channels without requiring a digital device. At the completion of our digital transition, which is anticipated to occur shortly after the February 1, 2010 transition date, Expanded Basic channels will be encrypted for security purposes. At that time, all televisions, including those using QAM tuners, will not be able to view Expanded Basic channels without a digital device or CableCARD. So we recommend that customers use a digital device or CableCARD for all TVs.
Q. What is a QAM tuner?
A. A QAM tuner is a device present in some televisions (digital and HD) and similar devices that allows a viewer to receive unencrypted channels in digital format without the use of a separate digital device. A QAM device is not the same as a CableCARD (one-way) device or tru2way TV, which allows a customer to access a full range of two way and encrypted services.
Q. What do I need to do to continue watching Limited Basic channels if I have TVs without equipment?
A. You have options: You can call Comcast at 1-706-733-7712 and we can ship the equipment to your home for easy self-installation (free shipping). You can stop by our office located at 105 River Shoals Parkway Augusta, GA 30909; (Mon-Fri 8 am - 6 pm, Sat 9 am - 1 pm) and pick the equipment up, or we can arrange for a professional installation.
Q. Is there a cost for the professional installation?
A. Yes - $9.95 per device. If you would prefer to install the equipment yourself, simply call us at
1-706-733-7712 and we will ship you the self-installation kit for free.
Q. Are there additional channels that will be available to Limited Basic customers?
A. Yes, nine additional channels will be available to Limited Basic customers with digital equipment after the transition. They are:
- WBEK-CH. 103
- WJBF-Weather-CH. 380
- WRDW-Weather-CH. 381
- WRDW-My Network TV-CH. 382
- WFXG-This TV-CH. 383
- WCES-Kids-CH. 385
- WCES-Know-CH. 386
- WEBA-World-CH. 387
- WEBA-SC-CH. 388
Q. What will happen if a TV doesn’t have equipment by the transition date?
A. Most TVs connected directly to Comcast service without a digital device such as a digital set-top box, DTA or CableCARD will lose access to all channels currently being received.
Q. Do I need a digital cable box or adapter if I have a TV set compatible with CableCARD?
A. No, a TV that utilizes a CableCARD device to enable delivery of Comcast digital services means that a set-top box or adapter is NOT required for these televisions. A CableCARD is the only equipment required.
Q. What is a CableCARD?
A. A CableCARD is a device about the size of a credit card that can be used with a digital-cable-ready television instead of a set-top box. If you prefer to use a CableCARD instead of using a digital cable set-top box, you will only be able to receive one-way digital cable channels and will not be able to receive On Demand, Pay-Per-View and the interactive programming guide.
Q. How is this different than the government-mandated digital broadcast transition?
A. The government mandated that all full power broadcasters transition to digital format for their over-the-air broadcast signals as of June 12, 2009. Since that time, Comcast continued to convert the broadcasters’ signals to analog for distribution to our customers as part of our Limited Basic level of service. Comcast is now transitioning to deliver all channels, including local broadcast channels, exclusively in digital format and Comcast customers will now need equipment to receive the Limited Basic channels.
Q. Will I pay more for my Limited Basic cable services?
A. Most customers won’t see a change in their bill. Comcast will provide Limited Basic customers with up to 3 DTAs at no additional monthly service cost. Additional DTAs are available for $1.95/month. [Excluding any applicable equipment taxes]
Q. Will the channel numbers change due to this migration?
A. No. There will be no change to the existing channel numbers.
II. Frequently Asked Questions for Dothan AL and Sebring FL Area Subscribers
Q. What is happening to analog cable service in my area?
A. Comcast is continuing to enhance its network to an all-digital distribution to offer our customers more HD, faster Internet and a digital upgrade to new products and services.
Comcast is now going all-digital in your market, and is in the process of transitioning the analog Limited Basic and Expanded Basic Cable* channel line-ups to digital carriage. This means that equipment will be required for most TVs connected to Comcast service, even those used to receive only Limited Basic service.
(*Limited Basic Cable package in analog includes local broadcast TV stations (NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS and ABC), local government, education, public access channels and a few cable networks - which vary by market).
Q. When will this channel migration happen?
A. This process is underway in 2010 and should be complete by this fall.
Q. Why is this happening now?
A. By migrating channels from analog to digital format, we will be able to deliver 100% digital picture quality and sound to all of our customers and provide access to additional channels in the Limited Basic channel line-up. By moving to all digital, Comcast can continue to offer more enhanced services like even more HD and faster Internet.
Q. Who will be affected?
A. Comcast customers that are currently watching Comcast service on a TV set that is not connected to a Digital set-top box, DTA (digital adapter) or using a CableCARD will be affected. Any TV connected to a Digital set-top box, DTA or CableCARD is already prepared for this upgrade.
Q. When do I need to order my equipment?
A. You do not need to take action until you receive a letter or postcard telling you that are eligible to order equipment. This letter will have your Unique Digital ID # included, which will make your ordering process a breeze. Expanded Basic subscribers are being contacted first, and following the digital upgrade of Expanded Basic channels, the Limited Basic subscribers will be contacted. This is a phased project. Again, you do not need to take action until you receive a letter or postcard in the mail from us.
Q. What if I have a digital TV set, such as one using a QAM tuner? Do I still need to use a digital device or CableCARD?
A. Digital QAM tuner TVs will be able to continue to receive Limited Basic cable channels without requiring a digital device. All televisions, including those using QAM tuners, will not be able to view Expanded Basic channels without a digital device or CableCARD. So we recommend that customers use a digital device or CableCARD for all TVs.
Q. What is a QAM tuner?
A. QAM tuner is a device present in some televisions (digital and HD) and similar devices that allows a viewer to receive unencrypted channels in digital format without the use of a separate digital device. A QAM device is not the same as a CableCARD (one-way) device or tru2way TV, which allows a customer to access a full range of two way and encrypted services.
Q. What do I need to do to order equipment?
A. You have options: You can order equipment online at www.comcast.com/digitalnow, or by calling 866-427-3611. We will ship any devices included in your service package to you for free in simple self-install kits. You can also stop by a Service Center to pick up the equipment, or we can arrange for a professional installation (at an additional charge).
Q. Is there a cost for the professional installation?
A. Yes - $9.95 per device. If you would prefer to install the equipment yourself, simply order online (at www.comcast.com/digitalnow) or call us at 1-866-427-3611 and we will ship you the self-installation kit for free. (Free shipping is available for all equipment available in your package of service.)
Q. What will happen if a TV doesn’t have equipment by the transition date?
A. Most TVs connected directly to Comcast service without a digital device such as a digital set-top box, DTA or CableCARD will lose access to all channels currently being received.
Q. Do I need a digital cable box or adapter if I have a TV set compatible with CableCARD?
A. No, a TV that utilizes a CableCARD device to enable delivery of Comcast digital services means that a set-top box or adapter is NOT required for these televisions. A CableCARD is the only equipment required.
Q. What is a CableCARD?
A. A CableCARD is a device about the size of a credit card that can be used with a digital-cable-ready television instead of a set-top box. If you prefer to use a CableCARD instead of using a Digital Cable set-top box, you will only be able to receive one-way Digital Cable channels and will not be able to receive On Demand, Pay-Per-View and the interactive programming guide.
Q. How is this different than the government mandated broadcast digital transition?
A. The government mandated that all full power broadcasters transition to digital format for their over-the-air broadcast signals as of June 12, 2009. Since that time, Comcast continued to convert the broadcasters’ signals to analog for distribution to our customers as part of our Limited Basic level of service. Comcast is now transitioning to deliver all channels, including local broadcast channels, exclusively in digital format and Comcast customers will now need equipment to receive the Limited Basic channels.
Q. Will I pay more for my cable services?
A. Most customers won’t see a change in their bill. Comcast will provide Expanded Basic subscribers with one set-top box and up to 2 DTAs at no additional monthly service charge. Digital Starter subscribers may receive up to 2 DTAs at no additional monthly service charge, and Limited Basic customers may order up to 3 DTAs at no additional monthly service cost. Additional DTAs are available for $1.99/month. [Excluding any applicable equipment taxes]
Q. Will the channel numbers change due to this migration?
A. No. There will be no change to the existing channel numbers.